Your guide to all things prospect, courtesy of Jonathan Mayo

OMG: Cincinnati Reds

Here’s a look at the Top 10 prospects for the Cincinnati Reds. And, as has become my custom, here’s OMG (One More Guy) from their farm system:

Donnie Joseph, LHP: A third-rounder from the 2009 Draft out of the University of Houston, Joseph jumped on an extremely fast track during his first full season. The southpaw pitched at three levels, starting with Class A Dayton and ending in Double-A Carolina. Along the way, he led the organization with 24 saves, had a 2.08 ERA and .182 average against. He struck out 103 in 65 innings for a 14.27 K/9 ratio.

He’s at 13.4 K/9 in his brief career. He’s also walked 3.6 per nine, but he improved as the season went on and his command issues — which were a problem when he started in college — won’t be as much of a concern in shorter stints.

He’ll also not have to worry about developing his changeup and can rely on his very good fastball and breaking ball from the left side. But he’s more than just a lefty specialist. He may never be a closer, but he’s got the kind of stuff that can get lefties and righties out and he could evolve into a very good setup man. Even if he begins the season back in Double-A, he could help out in Cincy before the year is over.

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